16 Best Winter Elopement Locations
Picking your elopement location is one of the most fun parts about eloping! It totally sets the tone for your entire wedding. If you are eloping outdoors in winter though, it can come with unique challenges due to weather and closures of some outdoor destinations. If winter makes the most sense for your wedding due to timing or availability for your family and friends, there are still plenty of incredible destinations to choose from! I’ve laid out the best elopement locations by month before, but let’s break down a few more options for the chilliest time of year! Whether you want to avoid the cold weather and snow altogether, or you’re looking to include them for your winter wedding aesthetic, these are some great options for you winter elopement locations in the US and beyond.
While I haven’t been to all of the locations listed, based on my travel/wedding experience and research these are suggestions to give you some ideas of locations for your winter wedding. As always, I encourage couples to do their own research to find the best option for them!
Best winter elopement locations for moderate weather
If you’re eloping outdoors, weather is always something to consider. For those who would rather skip the snow and not freeze in their wedding dress, these are the best winter elopement locations to find moderate winter weather!
Northern California
Average January temps: High 53°F Low 49°F
If you’re looking for a place that has consistent weather year-round, head to northern California. The weather here is incredibly unique because the coastal environment keeps temperatures pretty steady, even in the winter. It’s an area of California that isn’t as crowded or popular as other spots in the state, which means you get a lot of privacy and quiet for your elopement. You can also choose from several different vibes, from dramatic rocky coasts to magical forest scenes among the redwoods.
Southern Oregon
Average January temps: High 55°F Low 43°F
Southern Oregon is very similar in temperament to northern California. You’ll find similar moody, coastal vibes here as well, along with some iconic sea stacks along the coast. While northern California is a little more developed and has more options in terms of hotels and restaurants, southern Oregon is a little more remote and has fewer visitors. The town of Brookings is the most notable town in this area, and it’s still pretty small - but you get absolutely stunning views of all of the rock formations off the coast. Keep in mind winter is their rainy season, so choosing this as your winter elopement location could give your elopement a foggy, moody vibe.
Big Sur
Average January temps: High 61°F Low 43°F
The central California coast is also an incredible option when it comes to winter elopement locations. The iconic Big Sur coastline has temperate weather and plenty of gorgeous views for your winter elopement. Once again, any time in winter along the west coast, there’s a possibility for fog and winter rain, but we can totally make it an incredible vibe for your photos! Plus, there are plenty of amazing restaurants and hotels in this area to keep you busy during your wedding week.
Phoenix, Arizona
Average January temps: High 68°F Low 45°F
Of course Phoenix is a city, but there are plenty of gorgeous outdoors locations nearby for warmer weather winter elopement locations. South Mountain Park and Preserve is in south Phoenix, and Scottsdale is home to several city hikes like Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain as well as McDowell Mountain to the northeast. One of the best options in this area though is Lost Dutchman State Park nestled in the Superstition Mountains. These uniquely shaped mountains are only 45 minutes east of PHX and have an interesting history of a supposed lost gold mine that exists here. It’s a great desert vibe for an elopement!
White Sands National Park
Average January temps: High 56°F Low 22°F
White Sands National Park is in New Mexico, and is one of the most breathtaking destinations for your winter elopement. The fine gypsum crystals that make up the white dunes give the illusion of a snowy landscape, without freezing daytime temperatures! It isn’t the warmest spot in the US, but when it comes to locations with beautiful outdoor landscapes, the temperatures in the daytime here are comparatively mild. The sunsets here are some of the most stunning here you’ll ever see, so take your wedding photos with the pink and purple hues contrasting against the white sand before the temps drop too low overnight.
Joshua Tree National Park
Average January temps: High 63°F Low 38°F
If you’re looking for an incredible landscape with a lower chance of snow, try Joshua Tree National Park! While it can still get the occasional snow, the desert landscape is a bit more hospitable in the winter months than some other locations. You can find daytime temps in the 60s and serene scenery along with that retro, boho vibe the area is known for. And unlike the deciduous trees in the mountains on the east coast, the unique trees that line its landscape look the same year-round! No barren winter backdrop here - just dreamy desert vibes!
Big Bend National Park
Average January temps: High 57°F Low 36°F
Big Bend National Park sits on the southwest border of Texas and Mexico, which gives it a secluded and serene setting. It can take some work to get to as it’s about 6 hours from the closest major airport in El Paso, so it doesn’t see as many visitors as some other parks. That makes it one of the most underrated national parks out there! It also has some of the coolest lodging nearby of any national park, including the glamping caves at Summit Big Bend, the chic brutalist architecture of Willow House and the stargazing A-frames at Ocotillos Village. March is arguably the busiest month for Big Bend, when many spring breakers come to take advantage of the weather before it gets unbearably hot. Elope here in December through February to miss the crowds! If you’re looking for more of an adventure, Big Bend is one of the best winter elopement locations.
Moab
Average January temps: High 44°F Low 20°F
Although the average temperatures fall a little cooler here, Moab is still not completely freezing and is a magical spot to elope. It’s close to two national parks, so you can take your pick of having your wedding ceremony in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park - or take photos in both places! Arches gets extremely crowded in the summer, so a winter elopement here allows for a more intimate affair. If you’re hoping to make the most out of your travels to Utah, you can even spend your whole honeymoon here because Moab is a great town for hanging out and exploring!
Death Valley National Park
Average January temps: High 67°F Low 40°F
Located on the border of Southern California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is a great choice for an adventurous couple. With rolling hills, sand dunes, salt flats and colorful mountains among some of its various scenery, you’ll have plenty of backdrops to choose from for your elopement. It’s a great setting if you’re looking for a minimalistic, otherworldly vibe for your wedding. Although it can still drop cold at night, winter is a great season to visit Death Valley rather than during the sweltering summers.
Hawaii
Average January temps: High 80°F Low 66°F
If you love tropical weather but want a bit more pizazz than a Caribbean wedding, elope in Hawaii! You get the best of its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal mountains. Plus, the laid back atmosphere will make it a relaxing affair, and there’s so much to explore here afterwards for your honeymoon! Hawaii in the winter is the perfect way to beat the summer crowds.
Best winter elopement locations for snow
If you’re up for braving the cold, there are some jaw-dropping spots across the country for that. For those hoping for a magical winter aesthetic at their elopement, these are the best winter elopement locations for snow.
Jackson Hole
Average January temps: High 28°F Low 5°F
If you want a true wintry aesthetic for your elopement, Jackson Hole is the perfect option for you. A ski destination, national park town, and favorite getaway for celebrities and billionaires all at once, this Wyoming location is an iconic winter US spot. The town of Jackson has a cowboy aesthetic, and the nature that surrounds it is gorgeous. Grand Teton National Park’s snow capped peaks nearby are beautiful to see in winter, but keep in mind that some things, including the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park, are closed in the winter. I also have to note that Jackson is not the most budget-friendly place to get married, but if a wedding here is within your budget, it’s totally worth it.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Average January temps: High 36°F Low 11°F
While most people visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the summer, it’s a TOTALLY different experience in the winter. With less people around, the setting is more intimate, and there is something absolutely magical about seeing snow on the red rocks. Bryce Canyon is also known for its hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion), which make a unique backdrop for your elopement - especially when they’re covered in snow! Plus, you can get a two-for-one adventure if you choose this location because Zion National Park is only about an hour and 20 minute drive away.
Best international winter elopement locations
If you’d rather escape winter in the US altogether for your elopement, here are some of the best international winter elopement locations.
Iceland
Average January temps: High 37°F Low 27°F
Internationally, Iceland is absolutely iconic in the winter. It’s one of my favorite suggestions for international winter elopement locations with snow! While the days are very short in winter in Iceland, one perk is that “golden hour” (AKA arguably the best time for photos during the day) lasts much longer here! While we won’t have a lot of daylight to explore, you have a larger window for great photo lighting. Just be sure to pack warm!
Costa Rica
Average January temps: High 88°F Low 70°F
Beat the cold in its entirety by heading to Costa Rica. Weather is pretty temperate year-round here, but the year is typically split into two seasons: dry and rainy. This can vary based on where you go in Costa Rica, but in the Central Valley and the Pacific coast, winter is dry season! That means a lower chance of rain dampening your day. However, December and January are the rainiest months for the Caribbean coast and Northern Zone, so you may want to plan accordingly. With its diverse terrain, you’ll have endless options of backdrops for your elopement including the beach, jungle, mountains, or waterfalls. It’s one of the best winter elopement locations if you’re looking for someplace with a lush, diverse landscape to explore.
The Azores
Average January temps: High 63°F Low 56°F
If you’re up for an adventure, you will absolutely love the Azores for your destination elopement. Nicknamed the “Hawaii of Europe”, the Azores are an archipelago of 9 islands located off the coast of Portugal filled with scenic beaches, rainforests, hiking trails, and volcanoes. I actually went here with my mom for my 30th birthday, and it was STUNNING! The aquatic wildlife here is plentiful, the mountains are lush and green and the waters are a beautiful shade of blue. The weather is pretty mild all year round, which makes it a great winter escape. Plus, since it’s such a remote location, it provides an intimate, relaxed setting for your winter elopement!
Baja California
Average January temps: High 77°F Low 68°F
If your style is more boho with a mix of desert and coastal vibes, Baja California is a dreamy location for your winter elopement. Baja California is a peninsula in Mexico located just south of the US state of California. Los Cabos is the most popular destination at the tip of this peninsula and is a fun vibe if you’re looking for a resort town with nightlife or epic sunset cruises, but Todos Santos just down the road is another great stop! It’s more off-the-beaten-path and has cool desert vibes in addition to the coast. If you’re into the van life community at all, heading to Baja for the winter is a popular winter pilgrimage for van lifers, and renting a van could be a fun and unique way to spend your honeymoon!
Which of these winter elopement locations will you choose?
Whether you want to escape the dark, cold days most of the country sees during wintertime or you want to embrace the winter wonderland aesthetic, these are some of the best winter elopement locations you have to choose from. You don’t need to wait until the busy summer months to get married - you just need to choose a place that feels authentic to the vibe you want for your wedding day! Of course no matter where you choose, I’m here to help capture your priceless memories there for you to cherish your entire lives. Even if you’re not sure which location you want to choose, reach out! We can narrow down a spot together!